Prepare for the FAA Commercial Pilot Written Exam
AI-powered study tools, adaptive practice modes, and full-length exam simulations — all aligned to the FAA Airman Certification Standards. Build on your PPL and IFR foundation to earn your Commercial Pilot Certificate.
7-day free trial. No credit card required. Full access to all CPL content.
What is the FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test?
The Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test is the written exam required to earn your Commercial Pilot Certificate — the license that allows you to get paid to fly. Whether you're pursuing a career at an airline, charter service, or flight school, the CPL is a required step.
The exam covers 9 knowledge areas defined by the FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS), building on what you learned for PPL and IFR. You'll have 150 minutes to answer 100 multiple-choice questions, and you need a score of 70% or higher to pass.
The CPL written exam goes deeper into performance calculations, commercial regulations, advanced aerodynamics, and high-altitude operations. With 100 questions (vs. 60 for PPL and IFR), it's a more comprehensive exam — but if you've passed PPL and IFR, you already have a strong foundation.
All 9 ACS Knowledge Areas — Fully Covered
Every topic tested on the Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test, organized by the FAA Airman Certification Standards.
Preflight Preparation
Pilot qualifications for commercial operations, weather services, cross-country flight planning, performance and limitations
Preflight Procedures
Instrument cockpit check, flight deck management, engine starting, taxiing for commercial operations
Airport and Seaplane Base Operations
Airport communications, traffic patterns, runway incursion avoidance in commercial contexts
Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds
Normal, crosswind, short/soft field operations, power-off 180° accuracy approach
Performance Maneuvers
Steep turns, chandelles, lazy eights — precision flying that demonstrates commercial-level skill
Navigation
Pilotage, dead reckoning, VOR/GPS navigation, diversion and lost procedures
Slow Flight and Stalls
Maneuvering during slow flight, power-on/power-off stalls, accelerated stalls
Emergency Operations
Emergency approaches, equipment malfunctions, emergency procedures in commercial settings
High Altitude Operations
Supplemental oxygen requirements, pressurization systems, high-altitude aerodynamics
How AviaSkill Helps You Pass
Six powerful study tools working together to get you exam-ready.
AI Explanations
Get detailed, plain-language explanations for every CPL question — with direct links to the relevant FAA handbook chapters
Smart Study
Seven study modes adapt to your CPL progress — focus on weak areas, review missed questions, or let AI optimize your session
AI Tutor
Stuck on performance calculations or commercial regulations? Ask our AI tutor anything — available 24/7
Backed by FAA Handbooks
Powered by official FAA publications — so every answer is one you can trust.
Progress & Readiness
Track your mastery across all 9 ACS knowledge areas — know exactly when you're ready to schedule your test
Exam Simulator
Take full-length 100-question practice exams with a 150-minute timer — same format as the real FAA test
Know What to Expect on Test Day
| Official Name | Commercial Pilot — Airplane (CAX) Knowledge Test |
| Test Code | CAX |
| Questions | 100 multiple-choice (select one from three options) |
| Time Limit | 150 minutes (2.5 hours) |
| Passing Score | 70% (70 correct out of 100) |
| Prerequisites | Private Pilot Certificate |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old (14 CFR 61.123) |
| Test Validity | 24 calendar months (2 years) |
| CFR Reference | 14 CFR 61.123–61.133 |
The knowledge test is administered at FAA-authorized testing centers (PSI or CATS) nationwide. You'll need an instructor endorsement to schedule your test. Many students schedule their exam after completing ground school and achieving consistent passing scores on practice exams.
Your Path to the Commercial Pilot Certificate
Earn Your Private Pilot Certificate
Complete the PPL knowledge test and checkride. This is your foundation for all advanced certificates.
Add Your Instrument Rating
Pass the IFR knowledge test and checkride. Required to exercise full commercial privileges in airplane category.
Build Flight Time
Log at least 250 hours total flight time, including 100 hours PIC and 50 hours cross-country (14 CFR 61.129).
Complete Commercial Training
20 hours of training in commercial maneuvers — chandelles, lazy eights, steep spirals, power-off 180° accuracy approaches.
Pass the Knowledge Test
Take the FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test at a testing center. 100 questions, 150 minutes, 70% to pass. AviaSkill prepares you for exactly this.
AviaSkill Helps HerePass the Practical Test (Checkride)
Demonstrate commercial-level flying skills and oral knowledge to an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).
Continue Your Aviation Journey
Your Commercial Pilot Certificate opens the door to professional aviation.
Flight Instructor (CFI)
Teach others to fly. Build hours toward your airline career while earning income.
Coming soonCFII (Instrument Instructor)
Teach instrument flying. Requires CFI certificate plus additional instrument training.
Coming soonATP & Beyond
Airline Transport Pilot — the highest level of pilot certification. Required for airline operations.
Coming soonTools pilots actually use
Crosswind, METAR, weight & balance — always free, no sign-up needed.
Ready to Pass Your Commercial Pilot Written Exam?
Start studying today with AI-powered explanations, adaptive study modes, and realistic exam simulations. All 9 ACS knowledge areas covered. 7-day free trial — no credit card required.